Lauri Fitz-Pegado’s remarkable journey from ballet dancer to international diplomat exemplifies the power of artistic discipline in shaping leadership. A native Washingtonian, her early training at the prestigious Jones-Haywood School of Ballet laid the foundation for a career that would span continents and break barriers. As an African American woman in both the arts and diplomacy, her path has been marked by perseverance and grace, qualities that would become hallmarks of her leadership style.
Dancing in the Dash: A Story of Empowerment
In her compelling memoir “Dancing in the Dash,” Fitz-Pegado explores how ballet provided ballast throughout her life’s challenges. The book, particularly relevant during our current national conversation about race and opportunity, reveals insights about history, obstacles, and redemption. As Ambassador Susan E. Rice notes, “With special resonance for this moment in our country’s history, Lauri shares a creative and compelling portrait of a Black woman making her mark, while handling her personal and professional lives with grace.”
Diplomatic Career and Public Service
Fitz-Pegado’s appointment to the Clinton administration marked a significant milestone in her career. As Assistant Secretary and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service under Secretary Ron Brown, she managed 130 overseas and 90 domestic offices. Former Foreign Minister of Haiti, Jean Robert Estimé, describes her as “a model for minority women who are determined to achieve their dreams, despite all kinds of gender and race prejudices.”
Breaking Barriers in International Relations
Her work in international relations extended beyond government service. Pete Woicke, a former managing director of the World Bank, emphasizes the complexity and fascination of her career journey, noting how her story provides “valuable insights not often addressed or understood.” Her expertise in cultural and commercial diplomacy, developed through roles at the Voice of America and U.S. Information Agency foreign agency, and the Department of Commerce, established her as a respected voice in global affairs.
The Arts as Foundation for Leadership
The influence of ballet remains central to Fitz-Pegado’s approach to leadership and life. Mavis Staines, artistic director and CEO of Canada’s National Ballet School, praises how she “shares her captivating life story with an honesty, insightfulness, and humanity that makes her book inspired and inspiring.” This connection between artistic discipline and professional excellence is further recognized by Virginia Johnson, former artistic director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, who commends the memoir’s insight into “the development of a performing artist in a challenging time.”
Beyond the Ballet Barre Initiative
Through her nonprofit Beyond the Ballet Barre (BTBB), Fitz-Pegado continues to create lasting impact in the arts community in the U.S. and internationally. Based in Washington, DC, a focus of the organization is supporting, enriching learning, and curating programs for ballet teachers and students of color in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia region. This initiative emerged from her own experiences and the continuing challenges in the ballet world transitioning to a culture of inclusion as detailed in her memoir. Dr. Miomir Zuzul, founder of Dubrovnik International University, notes that through this work, she continues to “inspire, entertain, and teach, as she has done all her life.”
Corporate Leadership and Global Impact
Following her government service, Fitz-Pegado applied her diplomatic expertise to the private sector. As a senior executive at Hill and Knowlton, Gray and Company, and partner at The Livingston Group, she demonstrated the versatility of her leadership skills. Robert Raben, founder of The Raben Group, commends her for “solving hard problems for sophisticated institutions and leaders,” while sharing “the motivations, passions, and fears which make her luminous.”
Writing and Legacy
The decision to write her memoir came during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing the space and time needed to share her story. Through journaling and reflection, she crafted a narrative that, according to Ambassador Susan E. Rice, offers “a creative and compelling portrait of a Black woman making her mark.” The book serves as both personal memoir and historical document, capturing crucial moments in American diplomatic history.
Current Advocacy and Mentorship
Today, Pegado focuses on promoting the benefits of equity, inclusion, and cultural competence for all communities in arts and foreign affairs. She serves on multiple prestigious boards, including The Washington Ballet, the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, and the Center for Investigative Reporting. Her work extends to advisory roles with the Ron Brown Scholars, Hillwood Museum and Canada’s National Ballet School.
Looking Forward: Future Impact
Looking ahead, Fitz-Pegado continues to explore new frontiers in advocacy and education. Her current research examines the disparities between athletes and dancers in public recognition and compensation. As Virginia Johnson of Dance Theatre of Harlem observes, her story provides “an interesting peek inside the development of a performing artist in a challenging time.” Through speaking engagements, mentoring, and continued advocacy, she works to ensure that future generations benefit from the paths she has helped forge.
Her message to aspiring leaders echoes the themes of her memoir: develop passions and indulge them, recognize the relevance of creativity and arts in all aspects of life, and understand how disciplines like dance can form the core of personal and professional development. As Robert Raben notes, it’s “a great read and a fascinating story” that continues to inspire and educate.
Through the continued success of “Dancing in the Dash” and her ongoing initiatives, Lauri Fitz-Pegado demonstrates that the journey from artist to diplomat to advocate is not just possible but can be transformative for both the individual and society. Her story, as Jean Robert Estimé affirms, remains a powerful testament to talent, dedication, and the enduring impact of following one’s passions while breaking barriers for others.
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